Radiation Therapy for Patients

Scleroderma Foundation eLetter

eLetter #396

Greetings!

Keynote Speakers Announced for
National Patient Education Conference

The Foundation has announced keynote speakers for this year's National Patient Education Conference in San Francisco July 8 through July 10.

Andreas Baxevanis, Ph.D., will give the opening keynote on the promise of genomics and genome-based personal health care in disease management. He is deputy director of the Division of Intramural Research for the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) in Bethesda, Md.

James Lemons, Ed.D., will present the closing keynote. Dr. Lemons is the director of The Lemons Center for Behavioral Pain Management in Lenexa, Kan., and a medical psychologist.

Learn more about the conference or call us at (800) 722-HOPE (4673).

Radiation Therapy for Patients

Cancer Grace.org logo Overall, the literature to date indicates that patients with collagen vascular disease are at higher risk for short-term and long-term side effects associated with radiation therapy. Patients with scleroderma appear to be at the highest risk, although increased side effects with lupus and other diseases have been documented as well.

Save the Date: PHA On The Road
PH Patients and Families Education Forum

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association's PHA On The Road program is a free, full-day regional patient and caregiver education forum that provides patients and caregivers with the unique opportunity to learn more about PH symptoms, diagnosis and treatment through interactive presentations, education sessions and exhibits.

Other session topics will include PH and Connective Tissue Disease, Exercise and Yoga as well as Emergency Situations. PHA On The Road also provides networking opportunities for attendees with other local patients and caregivers, as well as medical professionals in a casual, non-clinic setting.

PHA On The Road, will be visiting four new cities in 2011: Seattle (Saturday, June 4), Pittsburgh (Saturday, June 11), St. Louis (Saturday, June 11) and Minneapolis (Saturday, June 18).

Participation in PHA On The Road is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Visit www.PHAssociation.org/OnTheRoad for more information and to register online. For questions, contact OnTheRoad@PHAssociation.org or (301) 565-3004, Ext. 768.

Coming Soon: Celiac Disease Foundation Annual Conference and Food Faire

Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) will hold its Annual Education Conference and Food Faire at the Hilton Hotel Los Angeles/Universal City from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14.

This program features international experts on Celiac Disease. Speakers include: Alessio Fasano, M.D., Medical Director, Center for Celiac Research, University of Maryland; and Martin F. Kagnoff, M.D., Director of the William K. Warren Medical Research Center for Celiac Disease, University of California, San Diego. The day-long program includes gluten-free product samples from more than 60 exhibitors.

Registration now with the discounted rate until Saturday, April 30. To reserve your space, register online at www.celiac.org or call the CDF office at (818) 990-2354.

New Book: Scleroderma Coping Strategies

Bianca Book Author Bianca Podesta describes the disease mechanisms of scleroderma, reveals the psychological challenges patients face, and explores the relationship between spiritual disciplines and the healing process in her new book "Scleroderma Coping Strategies."

The 250-page book includes journal entries, narratives and visual references. The author is a member of the Foundation's Tri-State Chapter, and facilitates one of the chapter's support groups.

Buy the book online today at www.sclerodermahealth.com.

Turn in Your Expired, Unused Medications Saturday, April 30

In an effort to address this problem, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the country, conducted the first ever National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Sept. 25, 2010. The purpose of this event provides a place for people to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

DEA has scheduled the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day which will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the first event or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of them.

Find a collection site near you.